My gf will bring our baby to stay with her family while we continue to work in China until the paperwork to go to the US gets processed. I will also visit the Philippines in February for 2 weeks, during Chinese New Year to get married.
I would like to know how much an air conditioner unit would cost and how much the average monthly bill would be? We have a house in Cavite, which we will move to eventually, and would like to install central air in the house. I believe it's a modest size house and would like to know how much it costs to install the system?

My gf will bring our baby to stay with her family while we continue to work in China until the paperwork to go to the US gets processed. I will also visit the Philippines in February for 2 weeks, during Chinese New Year to get married.
I would like to know how much an air conditioner unit would cost and how much the average monthly bill would be? We have a house in Cavite, which we will move to eventually, and would like to install central air in the house. I believe it's a modest size house and would like to know how much it costs to install the system?

Cheers,

Aaron

"Central air" is not going to happen.

Wall/window mounted, one piece A/C units are common and costs are anywhere from 12000php (plus VAT (sales tax)) and up.
You can find small units for as little as 8000 php.

She'll be shipping a box container of goodies from China when she goes over there. I guess the best thing to do is do comparison shopping here to see if it's worth shipping or just buying in PI.

Note: So you're saying no house in PI has central air? Is the quality of house not good or any reason for it not being offered on the market? The weather and environment definitely warrants it, especially since it's an energy saver on a island where energy is a constant shortage.

The Philippines (Manila & Cebu) in general is becoming a very expensive destination for accomodation in general. Manila will soon be the most expensive city to live in Southeast Asia. This is primarily due to the greedy landlords. If you are an EFL teacher think twice before living in Manila....you will find it very, very difficult to save any money at all! [/url]

She'll be shipping a box container of goodies from China when she goes over there. I guess the best thing to do is do comparison shopping here to see if it's worth shipping or just buying in PI.

Note: So you're saying no house in PI has central air? Is the quality of house not good or any reason for it not being offered on the market? The weather and environment definitely warrants it, especially since it's an energy saver on a island where energy is a constant shortage.

Cheers,

Aaron

I would be surprised if any house has central air.
It is a combination of a lack of insulation (no way to keep the cold in), not being offered in the local markets (too expensive) and the local temperatuires don't warrant it (temps on most islands are between a low of 22 and a high of 32).

You have a huge heat sink at your doorstep (the pacific ocean) keeping it all temperate with regular sea breezes.

I have a 1200 sq.ft. bungalow on Bohol and don't even have glass in the windows (just screens to keep the bugs out and an awning to keep the rain off with shutters for security when we aren't home).

Not having A/C has never been an issue. Simple fans have been adequate and much cheaper to install and use.

I guess a person just has to dive head first into the humidity of s.e. asian countries and adapt to the environment. Going from a dry desert region to a tropical type weather will be a learning experience.
No need to invest in insulation if the market doesn't call for it.
Thanks for all the advice/info from you guys/girls.